Climate Vocabulary

 

Climate- average weather conditions over a 30 year period.

Ex. Tropical or Polar Climate

 

Weather- condition of the atmosphere on a day to day basis.

Ex: rainy, humid, arid

 

Latitude- distance North or South of the Equator.

EX: The equator is at 0 degrees Latitude, the North Pole is at 90 degrees North, and the South Pole is at 90 degrees South. Lenox is at about 42 degrees North Latitude.

 

Direct Rays- solar rays that hit the Earth straight on at about a 90 degree angle. These rays are more concentrated than indirect rays.

 

Indirect Rays-solar rays that do not hit the earth straight on. They are more spread out due to the curvature of the earth.

 

Vernal Equinox- First day of spring. The day and night are equally long at 12 hours each.

 

Autumnal Equinox-First day on fall. Again the night and day are equally long.

 

Winter Solstace-Shortest day of the year, meaning more night time hours than daylight hours.

 

Summer Solstace-Longest day of the year, meaning more daylight hours than night.